Three Town of Speedway code enforcement officers described stepped‑up patrols, partnerships with parks and schools, and enforcement priorities during a presentation to town officials and residents.

Officer Reichle, one of the three Speedway code enforcement officers, said the office is emphasizing positive interactions with residents — more warnings and face‑to‑face outreach, with citations used when necessary — and stressed the effect of enforcement on property values and public safety. "We don't discuss anybody who gives us any tips. We keep everybody anonymous," Reichle said.

The officers framed their work around the "broken windows" approach, saying attention to small problems such as graffiti, abandoned vehicles and rental occupancy helps prevent larger disorder. John Merritt, a code enforcement officer, said the team revised its approach after Reichle joined in 2024 to reduce ticketing and improve community relations. John Diehl, the newest officer who joined in October, has added weekend coverage, Merritt said.

Speakers described specific recent enforcement actions and partnerships. Parks Director Tammy Smith said vandalism in spring 2024 and a crowd incident on July 4 at Leonard Park prompted increased coordination among code enforcement, the police department and parks staff. Smith said the July 4 gathering had "well over 300 people," that the person who signed the shelter rental admitted violations and paid $450 to the town and court, and that the town has adjusted shelter reservation procedures in response.

Officer Bridal, a Speedway code enforcement officer and Speedway native, said officers work with apartment property managers and school officials to monitor addresses with frequent police runs; the office will notify managers when an address has more than three calls for service. Assistant Superintendent John Disney said code enforcement helps the Speedway school system verify residency for student enrollment, because attendance requires living within the Town of Speedway boundaries.

The officers described enforcement priorities that include unlawful business operations (several businesses were cited or temporarily closed after officers and State excise authorities found unlicensed alcohol service), illegal temporary signage (Merritt said some businesses have been fined $50 per sign), nuisance properties and improperly parked vehicles near Leonard Park on Fifteenth Street. They also described responding to homeless camps behind businesses and within dumpster enclosures.

Officials urged residents to report concerns. Reichle gave the code enforcement tip line as (317) 246‑4121 and said complaints can be filed through the town website using a code enforcement complaint form; another number cited for nonemergency police calls was (317) 246‑4343. Reichle said complaints submitted through the website are generally processed "within about 24 hours" and that officers aim to respond quickly.

The presentation emphasized collaboration: regular quarterly meetings with the police chief, deputy chiefs and assistant superintendent, coordination with the parks department on signage and patrols, and work with trash haulers and property managers to address overflowing dumpsters and other recurring issues. Officers said their presence is intended both to enforce rules and to maintain the town's residential appeal.

Speakers closed by asking residents to report problems and to treat enforcement contacts as focused on community outcomes. Merritt said the office's goal is to "keep Speedway Speedway," and Reichle reiterated the request that residents provide tips when they see issues so officers can follow up.